OPAL

Opal is the most colorful gemstone liked for its astrological significance and unmatched beauty. Opal stones exhibit a wonderful ‘play of color’ effect called fire when light enters the stone. Flashing in a thousand shimmering shades, the Opal stone is an enigma of light, purity and mystical play. Associated with Venus, Opal bestows its wearer’s life with professional success, blissful love, happiness and luxuries. 

The quality and value of Opal is evaluated on certain parameters.

• Origin-
  Opal mines are located all over the world. Opals mined in Australia are the best due to their bright base color, superior quality, good durability and colorful fire effect. Having the leadership of world’s Opal production and being the most sought-after origin, Australian Opal draws the most premium in the market. They are also the most beneficial for astrological benefits. The price of Australian Opals range from ₹500 ($7) per carat to ₹10,000 ($150) per carat. Opals mined in Ethiopia and Mexico are also popular but they are not durable and not recommended for astrological purposes.
• Color-
  Opal is available in a wide range of colors like white, pink, blue, black, gray, brown, yellow, red, orange, pink and green. Opal stones are also found in a wide variety. White precious Opal with bright colorful fire is most desired and suitable for astrological and aesthetic purposes. Gemstones with dark body color like black, blue and green are equally valued as they display a perfect play-of-color above a dark background and such premium opals are used in high end fashion jewelry but aren’t preferred for astrological purposes.
• ‘Play of Color’ i.e. Fire Effect-
  Fire is flashes of colors on the surface of gemstone. The spectral of colors displayed are usually red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. Not all Opal stones display the fire effect. Any color of Opal that displays fire is considered high-quality opal gemstone. Common Opals that lack the fire effect are not recommended for astrological purposes.
• Brightness of Fire-
  Stones with a bright and consistent fire throughout the surface are far more precious and valuable. Stones with dull and less fire are affordable but astrologically less effective.
• Fire Pattern-
  The Fire Pattern is the arrangement of colors on the surface of Opal. Bright and colorful patches of fire are more desired than the pin-point kind of fire. The more intense, broad and colorful the pattern, the higher the price of the stone.
• Clarity-
  Different varieties of Opal stones have a different level of transparency. The value of transparent stones generally reduces due to the presence of a milky or cloudy background. The value of opaque stones reduces due to the presence of eye visible inclusions, pits or blemishes. If there is any crack in the stone then it means that the stone has lost its moisture. Opaque and spotless white stones with fire and without any cracks are the most desirable and valuable.
• Cut-
  Opal stone is generally cut into oval, round and pear shaped cabochons. Opal cabochons with perfect domes display the best fire from different viewing angles. Opal price is higher for customized shapes due to the carat wastage involved in the process.